Apparatus for filling receptacles with cigarettes or the like

ABSTRACT

THE MAGAZINE OF A CIGARETTE PACKING MACHINE, A CIGARETTE TRAY OR ANOTHER RECEPTACLE FOR STORAGE OF CIGARETTES RECEIVES ROWS OF CIGARETTES DIRECTLY FROM THE OUTLETS OF PNEUMATIC TUBES WHOSE INLETS RECEIVE CIGARETTES DIRECTLY FROM ROD CIGARETTE MACHINES, FILTER CIGARETTE MACHINES OR OTHER MAKERS OR THROUGH THE INTERMEDIARY OF A DISTRIBUTOR UNIT WHICH CAN OPERATE MECHANICALLY PNEUMATICALLY OR ELECTROPNEUMATICALLY. THE DISTRIBUTOR MAY INCLUDE A ROTARY DRUM WHOSE FLUTES RECEIVE CIGARETTES FROM A MAKER AND ARE MOVABLE INTO REGISTRY WITH THE INLETS OF THE TUBES, A DISTRIBUTOR PIPE WHICH IS IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE INLETS OF PNEUMATIC TUBES AND ACCOMMODATES SWITCHING DEVICES OPERATING ON THE BASIS OF COANDA EFFECT TO DISTRIBUTE CIGARETTES FROM THE PIPE INTO THE INLETS, OR A SUCTION HEAD WHICH RECEIVES CIGARETTES FROM A BELT AND ACCUMULATES THEM INTO ROWS WHICH ARE THEREUPON TRANS-   FERRED INTO THE INLETS. THE OUTLETS OF THE TUBES CAN BE MOVED WITH REFERENCE TO THE RECEPTACLE OR VICE VERSA. IF THE RECEPTACLE IS THE MAGAZINE OF A PACKING MACHINE, THE OUTLETS ARE MOVABLE UP AND DOWN IN DEPENDENCY ON THE LEVEL OF THE TOPMOST LAYER OF CIGARETTES IN THE MAGAZINE. IF THE RECEPTACLE IS A TRAY, THE LATTER IS MOVABLE DOWNWARDLY IN STEPWISE FASHION TO PROVIDE ROOM FOR ENTRY OF FRESH ROWS OF CIGARETTES. THE OUTLETS AND/OR THE TRAY CAN BE SHIFTED SIDEWAYS TO THE STAGGER EACH ROW OF CIGARETTES WITH REFERENCE TO THE ADJOINING ROW OR ROWS.

March 9, U, BQRNFLETH ET AL APPARATUS FOR FILLING RECEPTACLES WITHCIGARETTES. OR THE LIKE Filed Oct. 13, 1967 8 Sheets-Sheet l Fig.7

744 INVE ATTORNEY March 9, 1971 BQRNFLETH ET AL 3,568,399

APPARATUS FOR FILLING RECEPTACLES WITH CIGARETTI'IS OR THE LIKE FiledOCT. 13, 1967 8 Sheets-Sheet s ATTORNEY March 9, 1971 BORNFLETH ET AL3,568,399

APPARATUS FOR FILLING RECEPTACLES WITH GIGARETTHS OR Pf-II. LIKE FiledOct. 13, 1967 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 118d 7186 176b 118a 1830 Fig. 12

'//v VE ops.-

A TTORNEY March 9, BORNFLETH E1 AL 3,568,399

APPARATUS FOR FILLING RECEPTACLES WITH CIGARETTFIS OR THE LIKE FiledOct. 13, 1967 8 sheets sheet 6 Fig. 13

A TTORNE Y March 9, 1971 BORNFLETH ETAL APPARATUS FOR FILLINGRECEPTACLES WITH CIGARETTES OR THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Oct. 13,1967 //v VENIORS A TTORNE Y March 9, 1971 BORNFLETH ETAL I APPARATUS FORFILLING RECEPTACLES WITH CIGARETTE'S OR THE LIKE Filed Oct. 15, 1967 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Fig. 16 26 197' 234*. 3 ms 233 I 270 222 Fig. 75

ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,568,399 APPARATUS FOR FILLINGRECEPTACLES WITH CIGARE'ITES OR THE LIKE Ulrich Bornfleth and HorstKochalski, Hamburg, Germany, assignors to Hauni-Werke, Koerber & Co. KG,Hamburg, Germany Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 653,234,July 13, 1967. This application Oct. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 675,175 Claimspriority, application Great Britain, July 18, 1966, 32,267/66; Oct. 12,1966, 45,669/66; Germany, Oct. 13, 1966, H 60,738

Int. Cl. B65b 19/10 US. Cl. 53---148- 21 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE The magazine of a cigarette packing machine, a cigarette trayor another receptacle for storage of cigarettes receives rows ofcigarettes directly from the outlets of pneumatic tubes whose inletsreceive cigarettes directly from rod cigarette machines, filtercigarette machines or other ma kers or through the intermediary of adistributor unit which can operate mechanically, pneumatically orelectropneumatically. The distributor may include a rotary drum whoseflutes receive cigarettes from a maker and are movable into registrywith the inlets of the tubes, a distributor pipe which is incommunication with the inlets of pneumatic tubes and accommodatesswitching devices operating on the basis of Coanda effect to distributecigarettes from th pipe into the inlets, or a suction head whichreceives cigarettes from a belt and accumulates them into rows which arethereupon transferred into the inlets. The outlets of the tubes can bemoved with reference to the receptacle or vice versa. If the receptacleis the magazine of a packing machine, the outlets are movable up anddown in dependency on the level of the topmost layer of cigarettes inthe magazine. If the receptacle is a tray, the latter is movabledownwardly in stepwise fashion to provide room for entry of fresh rowsof cigarettes. The outlets and/or the tray can be shifted sideways tothe stagger each row of cigarettes with reference to the adjoining rowor rows.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is acontinuation-in-part of US. patent application Ser. No. 653,234, filedJuly 13, 1967, entitled Method and Apparatus for Arraying Cigarettes orthe Like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatusfor filling magazines, trays or likereceptacles with cigarettes or othertypes of rod shaped articles, particularly with articles which, eitherby themselves or together with other rod shaped articles, constitutesmoking products. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatusfor pneumatically transporting rod shaped articles between one or moreproducing machines (also called makers) and on or more consumingmachines, particularly packing machines for cigarettes, cigars,cigarillos or other tobacco containing articles. Still moreparticularly, the invention relates to apparatus for forming arrays orstacks of rod shaped articles which are of temporary nature, i.e., whichare dispersed or destroyed during further processing of articles. Atypical example of a dispersible array which can be assembled in theapparatus of our invention is a stack of cigarettes in a so-calledcharger or tray or a stack of cigarettes in the magazine of a packingmachine.

Patented Mar. 9, 1971 It is well known to employ in a production linefor cigarettes so-called chargers or trays which receive stacks ofcigarettes and deliver them to a magazine for one or more packingmachines. A serious drawback of presently.

known production lines is that the chargers or trays must be transportedby a bulky and expensive conveyor assembly which occupies much room andrequires a sophisticated programming system. As a rule, the chargers arecirculated between a row forming station where cigarettes coming fromone or more makers are arranged in rows and the magazine of a packingmachine. The paths along which the chargers travel ar quite long and theconveyor assembly interferes with access to other components of theproduction line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of our present invention toprovide a novel and improved apparatus transporting cigarettes or likerod shaped articles between one or more producing machines and areceptacle with little loss in time, without causing damage to ordeformation of articles, and with substantial savings in space andequipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whereinarticles coming to one or more producing machines can be automaticallyassembled in rows or other formations during travel toward a receptacle,for example, during travel toward the magazine of a packing machine ortoward a charger or tray which thereupon delivers arrayed articles tothe magazine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein thearticles need change the direction of their movement all the way betweenthe discharge end of a producing machine and the inlet of a receptacle.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whereinthe transfer of articles from a producing machine to a receptacle takesplace simultaneously with arraying of articles in formations which arebest suited for introduction into the receptacle and which can remainintact until the contents of the receptacle are evacuated for furtherprocessing, for example, for the application of envelopes to formcigarette packs or the like.

Another object of our invention is to provide the apparatus with a novelfeed which can supply articles to a pneumatic conveyor system fordelivery to a receptacle.

An ancillary object of the invention is to provide a feed which embodiesa novel distributor unit capable of converting one or more files ofarticles into formations which are ready for delivery into a receptacle.

A concomitant object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whichcan be converted to deliver articles from one or more producing machinesto one or more consuming machines and which can be used with equaladvantage to form stacks in the magazine of a packing machine or insuccesisve chargers or trays of a conveyor assembly which circulatesstacks of cigarettes between a maker and a packing machine.

The apparatus of our invention is employed for assembly of cigarettes,cigars, cigarillos, filter rods, filter rod sections or like rod shapedarticles into arrays which are thereupon destroyed or dispersed duringfurther processing of articles. The apparatus comprises means forpneumatically conveying individual articles lengthwise along a pluralityof separate paths which are preferably defined by flexible pneumatictubes and terminate at a receptacle (e.g., a charger or tray forcigarettes or the magazine of a packing machine) which receives the thusconveyed articles in the form of a first row or group, and for conveyingadditional articles along such paths to form additional rows or groupswhich, with the first row or group, form in the receptacle an array ofarticles, for example, a stack of horizontal layers or rows wherein 3the articles of each row are staggered with reference to the articles ofthe adjoining row or rows.

The articles can be removed seriatim from at least one producing stationwhich accommodates a producing machine (e.g., a rod cigarette machine, afilter cigarette machine) and the thus removed articles are thereupondistributed to the separate paths. The just mentioned distributing stepmay include assembling articles which come from at least one producingstation in rows prior to entry of articles into separate paths anddelivering successive rows to such paths so that each article of a rowtravels along a separate path. The assembly of rows can take place on acurved support (for example, in the flutes of a rotary drum) or on aflat support (for example, in flutes provided at the underside of asection head which lifts articles from a belt serving to remove articlesfrom a maker). A fresh row of articles can be assembled during transportof the preceding row into a magazine or tray.

It is also possible to eliminate the row forming step and to conveyarticles into separate paths directly from a plurality of producingstations so that each such station supplies articles for travel alongone of the paths. The groups or rows are formed not later than at thetime the articles leave the respective paths to enter a magazine, a trayor another receptacle or storing device for temporary storage ofarticles.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theimproved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and itsmode of operation, together with additional features and advantagesthereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of anapparatus wherein the output of a producing machine for rod shapedarticles is converted directly into a succession of rows whose articlesare pneumatically transported into a receptacle along separate paths;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of a distributor unit including threedrums which are used in an apparatus for conversion of the output of asingle producing machine into a succession of rows;

FIG. 3 is a developed plan view of the drums shown in FIG. 2, furthershowing the inlets of pneumatic tubes which receive rod shaped articlesfrom the drums and the take-off conveyor of a producing machine whichdelivers articles to the drums;

FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view as seen in the direction of arrowsfrom the line IVIV of FIG. Q;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentry partly elevational and partly sectional view of adistributor unit which constitutes a modification of the unit shown inFIG. 2, the section being taken in the direction of arrows as seen fromthe line VV of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partly elevational and partly vertical sectional view ofanother apparatus wherein the articles coming from one or more producingmachines travel sideways and are accumulated into rows along theunderside of a collector in the form of a suction head;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of the structure shown in FIG.. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic plan view of another apparatus whereina single tubular distributor furnishes the output of one or moreproducing machines to the inlets of a large number of pneumatic tubesand 'wherein the operation of the distributor is based on the Coandaeffect;

FIG. 9a illustrates the details of a control element in the apparatus ofFIG. 8;

FIG. 9b illustrates a modified control element;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the structure within the phantom-linerectangle 165 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates certain details of an apparatus which constitutes amodification of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of an apparatus wherein eachpneumatic tube receives rod shaped articles from a separate producingmachine, certain details of this apparatus being shown on a greaterscale within phantom-line circles with indications where the details canbe found in the overall view of this illustration;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of a receiving unit whichaccommodates a conveyor for cigarette chargers or trays;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of a magazine in a cigarettepacking machine and of a control system which can move the outlets ofpneumatic tubes with reference to the magazine;

FIG. 15 illustrates the electric circuit for the structure of FIG. 14;and

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an apparatus whichembodies the structure of FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showingcertain components of an apparatus which embodies our invention andforms a production line in a tobacco processing plant. The character Adenotes one or more producing machines or makers installed at aproducing station, for example, a rod cigarette machine, a filtercigarette machine, a cigar machine or a filter machine, whose output isfed to a distributor unit B which serves to supply groups of cigarettesor like rod shaped articles into a plurality of separate paths definedby a series of pneumatic tubes C. During travel from the station whichaccommodates the distributor unit B to the station which accommodates areceiving unit D, cigarettes advancing lengthwise in the tubes C areautomatically retained or assembled in formations or groups of, forexample, twenty parallel articles each which form a row so that suchrows can be immediately stacked in the receiving unit -D. The machine Aand the distributor B together form a feed which supplies articleslengthwise to the inlets of the tubes C, and the discharge ends oroutlets of the tubes C are grouped in such a way that they can dischargeat least one row of articles at a time. The receiving unit D acceptssuch rows from the outlets of the tubes C. This receiving unit mayaccommodate a customary charger or tray wherein the rows of articles arestacked on top of each other. The stacks formed by rows of articles inthe tray of the receiving unit D are destroyed or dispersed when thearticles are fed to further processing stations. The unit D may alsoinclude the magazine of a packing machine which provides groups of saytwenty cigarettes with single or plural envelopes to form packs.

FIGS. 2 to 5 illustrate in greater detail one specific form of apparatuswhich embodies our invention. FIG. 3 shows an endless take-off belt 109which forms part of a rod cigarette machine and advances rod shapedarticles (hereinafter called cigarettes for short) lengthwise in thedirection indicated by an arrow 108. This take-off belt 109 deliverscigarettes 105 into a channel 119 provided in a stationary feed drum 102adjacent to one axial end of a rotary collecting member or drum 101. Theother axial end of the collecting drum 101 is adjacent to a stationarytransfer member or drum 103. The collecting drum 101 (hereinafter calledcollector for short) is provided with axially parallel equidistantperipheral portions having pockets or flutes 104 of substantiallysemicircular cross-sectional outline which serve to transport cigarettes105 sideways, namely, from registry with the channel 119' into registrywith one of twenty equidistant axially parallel peripheral pockets orflutes 114 provided on the transfer drum 103. The bottom region of eachflute 104 is provided with an elongated suction slot or duct 106, andeach of these flutes tapers gradually from the feed drum 102 toward thetransfer dum 103 (see the mutual inclination of edges 107 bounding thenext-to-the-topmost flute 104 of FIG. 3). This insures unimpeded entryof cigarettes 105 from the channel 119 into successive flutes 104. InFIG. 2, the right-hand part of the feed drum 102 is broken away alongthe line E-F.

The collector 101 is hollow and accommodates a stationary suctionchamber 110 (see FIG. 2 or 4) which communicates with a certain numberof suction ducts 106 in each angular position of the collector 101 toinsure that a cigarette 105 which has entered a flute 104 will remaintherein until the flute moves into registry with an empty pocket 114 ofthe transfer drum 103. The suction chamber 110 is connected with asuction conduit 111 whose discharge end is connected to the inlet of asuction pump or another suitable suction generating device, not shown.

The axial end of the transfer drum 103 which is adjacent to thecollector 101 is provided with a braking nozzle 112 which can dischargejets of compressed air or other suitable gas into successive flutes 104of the collector for the purpose of reducing the speed of cigarettes 105and of insuring that each cigarette which has been delivered by thetake-off belt 109 of the rod cigarette machine comes to a halt in aposition substantially midway between the ends of the respective flute104. The pockets 114 are provided in a portion 113 of the periphery ofthe drum 103 and they also taper in the same direction as the flutes104, i.e., away from the collector 101. The lead lines of the numeral115 shown in FIG. 3 denote the edges of the topmost pocket 114, and itwill be seen that these edges converge in a direction to the right sothat the passages in which the cigarettes travel axially of the drum 103become narrower to insure that the leading end of each cigarette will beaccurately aligned with one opening 117 of a stationary guide member ormouthpiece 116 adjacent to the right-hand axial end of the transfer drum103. Each opening 117 of the guide member 116 registers with the inletof an elongated pneumatic tube 118, these tubes corresponding to thetubes C shown in FIG. 1. The transfer of cigarettes 105 along the pathsdefined therefor by the tubes 118 and the transport of cigarettes in thetubes is preferably carried out by means of compressed air.

The feed drum 102 is further provided with a row of orifices 120 each ofwhich registers with the left-hand end of a pocket 114, as viewed inFIG. 3, i.e., with the inlet of one of the tubes 118. The orifices 120serve to discharge blasts or jets of compressed air at such intervalsthat they compel a group of twenty cigarettes 105 to leave the adjoiningflutes 104 and to adavnce lengthwise into and beyond the respectivepockets 114 of the transfer drum 103. The means for connecting theorifices 120 with a suitable source of compressed air comprises adistributing channel 121 which is machined into the drum 102 andcommunicates with each orifice, a first supply channel 122 (see FIGS. 2and 4) which is connected with the channel 121 and comprises twoslightly spaced sections separated from each other by an annular portionof a cylindrical valve member 123 affixed to or integral with thecollector 101. The annular portion of the valve member 123 is providedwith apertures 124 which permit compressed air to flow between the twosections of the supply conduit 122 in order to admit compressed air tothe channel 121 and orifices 120. A second supply conduit 125 connectsthe source of compressed air with the first supply conduit 122. Thedistribution of apertures 124 is such that the orifices 120 receivecompressed air only when a group of twenty cigarettes 105 in the flutes104 I registers with the stationary pockets 114. The periphery of thecollector 101 forms an arcuate support for successive groups or rows oftwenty cigarettes each. The center of curvature of this support islocated on the axis of the collector 101 Of course, the distributingchannel 121 can be connected with a source of compressed air in a numberof ways, not only by means of apertures 124 in the rotary valve member123. A second solution is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein a supply conduit122' contains a valve 131 which is associated with a counter 128 servingto count the number of flutes 104 and to open the valve in response toplacing of twenty filled flutes 104 into registrywith the pockets 114.Alternatively, the counter 128 can determine the angular displacement ofthe collector 101 and can open the valve 131 when the displacement issuch that a requisite number of filled flutes 104 register with thepockets 114. The collector 101 carries a gear 126 whose teeth cause aninitiator 127 to produce successive output signals which are transmittedto the counter 128. The initiator 127 is of known design; for example,it may be constituted by an approximation or gap initiator whose exactconstruction forms no part of the present invention. Its operation isbased on the principle that a signal is generated when a ferromagneticbody (i.e., in the present instance a tooth of the gear 126) interruptsa highfrequency oscillation. The counter 128 causes the valve 131 toopen when it receives a requisite number of signals (for example, aseries of twenty signals). The counter 128 then resets itself to zeroand starts to count a fresh sequence of signal which are transmitted bythe initiator 127. It is clear that the initiator 127 can be replaced byother types of signal generators, for example, by a lightsensitivereceiver, by an inductive, capacitative or like signal generator or by agenerator employing isotopic rays. The valve 131 is installed at thejunction of supply conduits 122, 125 or in one of these conduits andopens just long enough to admit into the orifices 120 jets of air whichare strong enough to expel a requisite number of cigarettes 105 into andbeyond the pockets 114. An important advantage of the modification shownin FIG. 5 is that the number of cigarettes which are shifted from thecollector 101 into the pockets 114 can be varied at will and that nomechanical moving parts are needed to start or to terminate theadmission of compressed air. However, it is equally within the purviewof our invention to utilize other types of valves. For example, thevalve 131 could be replaced by a cam-operated valve and the cam foreffecting opening and closing of such valve could be mounted on or couldrotate in synchronism with the collector 101.

In FIG. 4, the gear 126 is shown for the sole purpose of facilitatingthe interpretation of FIG. 5. In actual practice, the collector 101 isprovided with the valve member 123 or with the gear 126.

The transfer drum 103 is preferably surrounded by a cylindrical shieldof transparent or translucent vitreous or plastic material (e.g.,Plexiglas), and such shield preferably extends all the way to the feeddrum 103 to surround the entire collector 101.

The width of the intake ends of flutes 104 is such that each flute canreceive a cigarette through the channel 119 of the stationary feed drum102 even if the collector 101 is driven at a relatively high speed. Thesame applies for the width of intake ends of the pockets 114 in thetransfer drum 103.

The drum 103 and the guide member 116 may be omitted if the collector101 rotates at a relatively low speed or intermittently, i.e., if thedischarge ends of flutes 104 can be placed into accurate registry withthe inlets of pneumatic tubes 11-8 at the time the orifices receivecompressed air from the distributing channel 121. However, and if thecollector 101 turns at a relatively high speed, the tapering pockets 114of the drum 103 will be capable of receiving groups of cigarettes 105without any damage to such articles. The blasts or jets of air admittedby the orifice 120 can be strong enough to convey cigarettes .105 fromthe flutes 104, through the pockets 114, openings 117 and all the waythrough and beyond the outlets of the pneumatic tubes 118.

In FIGS. 2-4, the take-off belt 109 constitutes a portion of theproducing machine A shown in FIG. 1, and the parts 100-117 and 119-125together form the distributor unit B of FIG. 1.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 2-4 is as follows:

A producing machine discharges a succession of individual cigarettes 105which are transported by its takeoff belt 109 (arrow 108 in FIG. 2) andtravel through the guide channel 119 of the feed drum 102. Each suchcigarette enters flute 104 of the rotary collector 101. The means foraccelerating the cigarettes 105 on the upper stringer of the take-offbelt 109 may comprise one or more eccentrically mounted elastic rollersor one or more nozzles which discharge blasts of compressed air. Suchaccelerating means is preferably employed to effect lengthwiseseparation of successive cigarettes-105 by distances which suffice toinsure that the collector 101 can turn through a small angle before theleading end of the next-following cigarette advances beyond the channel119 of the feed drum 102. The aforementioned braking nozzle 112 of thefixed transfer drum 103 discharges jets of compressed air which brakethe cigarettes 105 in the flutes 104, and such braking action isenhanced by suction produced in the chamber 110, and communicatedthrough the ducts 106. In fact, and if the suction is strong enough, thebraking nozzle 112 can be dispensed with. All that counts is to insurethat each cigarette 105 comes to a halt somewhere between the ends ofthe respective flute 104 so that the collector 1101 can continue to turnand to place the cigarettes into registry with the pockets 114. Thevalve member 123 (FIGS. 2 and 4) or the valve 131 (FIG. causes orpermits entry of compressed air into the orifices 120 when each pocket114 registers with a filled flute 104 whereby the jets of air causetwenty cigarettes 105 to move axially and to travel through theregistering pockets and openings 117 and to enter the inlets ofcorresponding pneumatic tubes 118.

It is clear that the open-sided flutes 104 and pockets 114 can bereplaced by tunnels or bores. If the collector 101 and/or the transferdrum 103 is formed with such bores or tunnels, the diameter of each borepreferably diminishes in a direction away from the feed drum 102.

The transfer drum 103 and the guide member 116 can be omitted if theright-hand axial end of the collector .101 (as viewed in FIG. 3) isimmediately adjacent to the inlets of the tubes 118. However, thedelivery of cigarettes 105 from the flutes 104 of the collector 101directly into the inlets of tubes 118 is more diflicult if the collectorrotates at a high speed and does not come to a full halt when theorifices 120 discharge jets of air to expel the cigarettes from theflutes 104. Therefore, the use of the drum 103 is advisable to insureaccurate transfer of cigarettes from the flutes of a travellingcollector, especially since the inlets of pockets 114 preferably divergein a direction toward the flutes 104.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a second apparatus whereinthe rotary collector 101 of FIG. 3 is replaced by a collector in theform of a suction head or lifter 137 which is similar to liftersdisclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,190,459 granted to Kochalski et al. Thesuction head 137 receives cigarettes 105 which are delivered sidewaysand are randomly spaced from each other on the upper stringer of asupply belt 136. The underside of the suction head 137 comprises aseries of coplanar portions provided with grooves or flutes 138 each ofwhich is connnected with a suction chamber 137a. The latter is connectedwith a suction fan, not shown. The arrangement is such that cigarettes105 advancing with the upper run of the article supplying belt 136(arrow 136a) travel sideways below the suction head 137 until theforemost cigarette reaches the foremost flute 138. This foremostcigarette is then lifted into the foremost flute 138 whereby the suctionin the next-following flute 138 increases so that the suction head 137lifts the next-following cigarette.

The same procedure is repeated until the suction head 137 accumulates arequisite number of cigarettes 105.

The apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7 further comprises an ejector or transfermember in the form of a plate-like pusher 139 which is reciprocable by afluid-actuated (preferably pneumatic) single-acting unit including acylinder 140 and a piston rod 141 reciprocable in directions indicatedby arrow 141a. A return spring 143 tends to maintain the piston rod 141in retracted position. The chamber 140a of the cylinder 140 can receivecompressed air through a regulating valve 142 which is a solenoid valve,the solenoid being shown at 142a. The function of the plunger 139 is toexpel a row or layer of cigarettes 105 from the flutes 138 of thesuction head 137 and to deliver such cigarettes into the inlets ofpneumatic tubes 11 8. The inlets of the tubes 118 are coplanar.

The solenoid 142a is connected with a vacuum switch 14% through theintermediary of a microswitch 144. The microswitch 144 can be actuatedby a trip 145 of the plunger '139. The vacuum switch 142]) will producea signal when the suction in chamber 137a rises in response to entry ofa cigarette into the last or rearmost flute 138. Each of these flutes isconnected with the suction chamber 137a by means of a duct and the ductsare sealed in response to entry of cigarettes into the respectiveflutes. Thus, suction in the chamber 137a increases progressively inresponse to accumulation of cigarettes 105 at the underside of thesuction head 137.

The microswitch 144 and trip 145 can be replaced by a conventionalcontactless signal generator whose function is to open the circuit ofthe solenoid 142a when the plunger 139 completes a working stroke sothat the flutes 138 of the suction head 137 are empty. The vacuum switch142!) also opens so that the microswitch 144 can close again without,however, completing the circuit of the solenoid 142a. For example, themicroswitch 144 and trip 145 can be replaced by a light sensitivereceiver or by an initiator of the type described in connection withFIG. 5. A contactless signal generator will be employed when themanufacturer wishes to eliminate the wear which results from repeatedengagement between the microswitch 144 and trip 145.

The numeral 146 denotes a guide member which corresponds to the guidemember 116 of FIG. 3 and serves to direct cigarettes 105 into the inletsof the tubes 118. The guide member 146 can be provided with channels orwith open-ended bores or holes.

The plunger 139 is formed with a series of orifices 147 which can beconnected to an air compressor 148 or another suitable source ofcompressed air. The connection comprises a flexible conduit or hose anda fixed conduit 150a. The conduits 150, 150a are connected to each otherby an interrupter valve 149 which is a solenoid valve and is connectedwith the microswitch 144. The latter effects energization of thesolenoid in the valve 149 when the plunger '139 reaches its foremostposition (when the trip 145 reaches the microswitch 144) so that theconduits 150, 150a then admit to orifices 147 jets of compressed airwhich expels cigarettes 105 from the flutes 138 and through the guidemember 146 so that such cigarettes enter the inlets of the respectivetubes 118.

The operation is as follows:

The belt 136 supplies cigarettes from a producing machine, for example,from a filter cigarette machine, and such cigarettes enter successiveflutes *138 of the suction head 137. When the last flute 138 receives acigarette, suction in the chamber 137a rises and the vacuum switch 142bcompletes the circuit of the solenoid 142a through the microswitch 144.The valve 142 then admits compressed air from a conduit 15012 whichbranches from the conduit 150a, and such air flows into the chamber 140aof the cylinder 140 so that the piston rod 141 moves in a direction tothe right and causes the plunger 139 to perform a working stroke wherebythe leading edge of the plunger transfers an entire row of cigarettesfrom the flutes 138 into the guide member 146. When the plunger 139reaches the forward end of its stroke, the trip 145 strikes against themicroswitch 144 and the latter opens the circuit of the solenoid 142awhereby the valve member of the valve 142 seals the conduit from thechamber 140a and connects this chamber with the atmosphere. The spring.143 is free to return the plunger 139 and the piston rod 141 tostarting position. When the microswitch 144 is engaged by the trip 145,the valve 149 admits compressed air from the conduit 150a into theconduit 150 whereby the orifices 147 discharge jets of compressed airwhich transfer cigarettes 105 from the guide member 146 into the inletsof the tubes 118.

The guide member 146 can be assembled of a series of short pipes each ofwhich is connected with one of the tubes 118. In such apparatus, theadmission of air which expels cigarettes 105 from the guide member neednot take place through orifices in the plunger 139, i.e., air can beadmitted directly into the pipes of the guide member. It is equallyclear that the transfer of cigarettes 105 from the flutes 138 of thesuction head 137 into the inlets of the tubes 118 can be effected bysuction. The tubes 118 are then connected with a suction generatingdevice which draws cigarettes from the flutes 138 or from the openingsor bores of the guide member 146.

In the apparatus of FIGS. 6 and 7, all of the illustrated elements withthe exception of pneumatic tubes 118 form part of a feed which suppliescigarettes 105 to the inlets of the tubes 118. The suction head 137 isanalogous to the collector 101 of FIG. 3; however, the take-off belt 109and drum 102 of FIG. 3 are replaced by the belt 136 which deliverscigarettes 105 sideways. An advantage of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 6and 7 is that the suction head 137 invariably assembles a full row ofarticles prior to delivery of the row into the tubes 118. Moreover, thecontrol system of this apparatus is very simple and reliable and neednot operate at a very high speed even though the rows are assembled anddelivered into tubes 118 at frequent intervals. The suction head 137forms a flat support for successively assembled rows of cigarettes 105.

FIGS. 8, 9n and 10 illustrate a portion of a further apparatus which canform rows or groups of cigarettes coming from a feed including one ormore producing machines or makers 184. The take-off belt 109 of themachine 184 (shown in the lower part of FIG. 6) delivers cigaretteslengthwise and can be made of foraminous material so that its upperstringer can be placed above a suction chamber to advance the cigarettesat a desired speed. The cigarettes are introduced into the intake end ofa tubular distributor 150 (hereinafter called pipe) which replaces theparts 101, 102, 103, 116 of FIG. 2. The pipe 150 accommodates a seriesof novel pneumatic switching devices 151b151t (hereinafter calledswitches for short) which can detour cigarettes into the inlets ofassociated pneumatic tubes 118a118t. The operation of the pipe 150 andswitches 15112-1511? is based on the Coanda effect and each of theseswitches comprises two control nozzles respectively numbered 152b-152tand 153b-153t. The main jet of gas is admitted through one or more mainorifices 154 (see also FIG. 11) in such a way that the jet has atangential component. During travel past the junctions between thedistributor pipe 150 and successive pneumatic tubes -118b118t, the mainjet continues to travel along that surface against which it wasdeflected by a control jet discharged from one of the aforementionedcontrol nozzles. Thus, the direction of the main jet can be changed in avery simple way by admission of a control jet, either through a nozzle152 or through a nozzle 153. The nozzles 152b-152s and '153 b153sreceive compressed air from branches 156b-156s of a first auxiliary line156 through bistable pneumatic control elements 155b155s one of which isillustrated in greater detail in FIG. 7a. The control elements 155b-155sand form part of switches 151b-151t and are respectively provided withoutlets 15712457! and 158b'158t which admit compressed air to controlnozzles 15211-1521 and 153b153l. The connections between these outletsand the corresponding control nozzles are respectively shown at159b15-9t and 160b-160t.

Referring to FIG. 9a in detail, there is shown a bistable pneumaticcontrol element 155 which includes a spherical valve member 161 movablein a short valve body or cylinder 162. The cylinder 162 has two endwalls provided with inlets 163, 164 which can admit compressed air fromthe first auxiliary line 2156. Each of the two outlets 157, 158 isadjacent to one end wall and extends radially of the cylinder i162. Theeffective cross-sectional area of the inlet 163 is greater than that ofthe inlet 164 because the conduit admitting air to the inlet 164 isthrottled considerably at 166. This conduit branches from the firstauxiliary line 156, and the latter is also provided with a second branchconnected to the inlet 163. A control line 167 communicates with thatbranch which connects the first auxiliary line 156 with the inlet 163.The control line 167 can be placed in communication with the atmosphereto eflect a reduction of air pressure in the righthand portion of thecylinder 1612'. Thus, and when the control line 167 is open to theatmosphere, the pressure of air admitted via inlet 164 will exceed thepressure in the inlet 163 so that the valve member 161 will remain inthe position shown in FIG. 9a despite the fact that the flow of air tothe inlet 164 is throttled at 166. The valve member 161 then allows airadmitted via inlet 164 to enter the outlet 158. If the control line 167is thereupon sealed from the atmosphere, pressure in the right-handportion of the cylinder 162 rises and the valve member 161 moves againstthe inlet 164 to permit flow of compressed air from the inlet 163 intothe outlet 157 but to seal the outlet 158 from both inlets. The ratio ofeffective cross-sectional areas of the inlets 163, 164 is selected insuch a way that the valve member '161 continues to seal the inlet 164from the outlet 158 even if the air pressure in the inlet 164 rises andequals that in the auxiliary line 156. In fact, the valve member 161continues to seal the inlet 164 even if the control line 167 isthereupon connected with the atmos phere. Therefore, the control element155 of FIG. 9a is provided with a restoring or resetting line 168 whichcan admit compressed air into the left-hand end of the cylinder 162 at apressure necessary to effect return movement of the valve member 161 tothe illustrated position.

In FIGS. 8 and 10, the numerals 168b-168t and 16712- 167i respectivelydenote various restoring lines and control lines. The restoring lines168b-168t receive compressed air from a second auxiliary line 170.

FIG. 9b illustrates a modified bistable pneumatic control element 155wherein the spherical valve member 161 is replaced by a more rapidlyreacting diaphragm 169. Aside from the fact that the valve body orcylinder 162 of FIG. 7b can be made somewhat shorter, the constructionof the control elements 155, 155' is otherwise identical. The cylinders162, 162' can be mass-produced of plastic material. Each of the controllines 167b- 167t communicates with one of the tubes Ilsa-118s.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the second auxiliary line 170 which suppliescompressed air to the restoring lines 168b-168t contains an adjustablevalve 171 and is connected to a source 172 of compressed air. The valve171 is a pressure-responsive valve and responds to pressure of airissuing from the outlet 157t of the last control element 1551. When thevalve 171 opens, the auxiliary line 170 connects the source 172 with therestoring lines 168b168t so as to reset each of the valve members 161 or1'69 to the positions respectively shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

The operation of the just described apparatus will be described withreference to FIG. 10 which illustrates,

on a larger scale, the structure within the phantom-line rectangle .165shown in the upper part of FIG. 8. This rectangle embraces the switches151b, 1510 and their control elements 155b, 1550 as well as the controlelement 155d. It is assumed that the assembly of a new array of twentycigarettes 105 is about to begin, i.e., the valve members 161 of allcontrol elements 155b155t are in positions corresponding to that of thevalve member 161 shown in FIG. 911 because the last cigarette 105 of thepreceding array has caused the control element 155t to open the valve171 in the second auxiliary line 170 and to admit compressed air to therestoring lines 168 b- 168t.

The foremost cigarette 105 on the take-off belt 109 enters the inlet ofthe distributor pipe 150 and advances past all of the switches 151b-151tbecause the outlets 158b1'58t of all control elements receive air fromthe corresponding branches 15617-1562 of the first auxiliary line 156 sothat the nozzles 153'b153t admit jets of air which keep the foremostcigarette 105 against entry into the inlet of one of the tubes118b-118th Thus, the foremost cigarette simply continues to pass throughthe distributor pipe 150 and ultimately enters the inlet of therightmost tube 118a. The foremost cigarette is conveyed in the main jetof compressed gas which is admitted by the main orifice or orifices 154.

The control line 167b of the control element 155]) is in communicationwith the inlet of the tube 118a and, when the foremost cigarette 105enters the tube 118a, it seals the open end of the control line -167bwhereby the corresponding valve member 161 changes its position andseals the branch 15Gb of the first auxiliary line 156 from the outlet1581;. At the same time, the valve member 161 of the control element155b connects the branch 156!) with the outlet 157b so that the controlnozzle -152b discharges a jet of compressed air which deflects the mainjet into the inlet of the second tube 118b. Air which has entered theoutlet 15712 flows through the connection 15%. The valve member 161 ofthe control element 155!) then remains in the new position for reasonswhich were explained in connection with FIG. 9a. When the next-followingcigarette 105 reaches the junction accommodating the switch 151b, it iscaused to enter the inlet of the tube 118b and temporarily seals theopen end of the control line 1670 to change the position of the valvemember 161 in the control element 1550. Thus, the outlet 1570 of thecontrol element 1550' then admits compressed air to the connection 1590a'nd nozzle 1520 at the junction accommodating the switch 1510. The mainjet is deflected into the inlet of the third tube 1180 which receivesthe third cigarette 105, such third cigarette causing the controlelement 1550! to admit air to the nozzle 152d, and so forth. When thelast one of a series of twenty cigarettes 105 reaches the switch 151tand moves past the control line 167t of the control element 155: on itsway into the inlet of the tube 1182, the outlet 157t of the controlelement 155t admits compressed air to the valve 171 in the secondauxiliary line -17 so that the latter admits air from the source 172into each of the restoring lines 168b-16'8t in order to return the valvemembers 161 of the control elements 155b-155t, to their originalpositions. The apparatus then begins to assemble a fresh row or group oftwenty cigarettes 105 in the just described manner.

In the apparatus of FIG. 8, the parts 184, 150 and 151 constitute a feedwhich is an equivalent of the producing machine A and distributor unit Bshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates an apparatus wherein the pneumatic control elements155 (FIG. 9a) or 155' (FIG. 9b) are replaced by bistableelectropneumatic control elements 187. Each control element (only thecontrol elements 187b, 1870 and 187d are shown) comprises a cylinder 173accommodating an axially reciprocable piston-like valve member 174. Theposition of the valve member 174 can be changed by an electromagnet 175.The outlets of the control element 18712 are shown at 157b, 158b and abranch of the first auxiliary line 156 admits compressed airsubstantially in the same way as described in connection with FIGS. 8 to10. Connections 159b, 160b admit air from outlets 157b, 1581) to thecontrol nozzles 152b, 1531) of the switch 151]) at the junction of thedistributor pipe and the inlet of the tube 11812. A return spring 176breplaces the restoring line 1681), i.e., this spring will restore thevalve member 1741) to a starting or normal position when the respectiveelectromagnet 175b is deenergized.

The electromagnet 175b will be energized in response to a signalproduced by a signal generator or detector in the tube 118a. Such signalis initiated by a cigarette 105 which has entered the inlet of the tube11 8a. The signal generator can operate photoelectrically,capacitatively, inductively or with isotopic rays. The signal isreceived in a storing unit 178b which can transmit the signal to theelectromagnet 175b through an amplifier 17% (if necessary). The storingunit 1781: has a signal storing input G and a signal erasing input H andhas a tendency to erase the signal. Storing units which can store andamplify electric signals are well known in the art. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11, the signal generator comprises a light sensitive device 18%including a source 1 81!; of light and a receiver 182b. The inlet of thetube 118a has a section or portion 183a which consists of transparent ortranslucent material and is disposed between the light source 181b andreceiver 182]). The output of the lightsensitive device 1801) isconnected with the input G of the storing unit 1781). The output of thesecond lightsensitive device 180c in the inlet of the tube 1 18b isconnected with the input G of the second storing unit 1780 and with theinput H of the first storing unit 17 8b. The remaining referencenumerals shown in FIG. 9 denote in part components which were describedin connection with FIGS. 8-10 or components which are analogous to thejust described components. For example, the second control element 1870comprises a valve member 1740, an electromagnet 1750 and two outlets1570, 1580.

The operation is as follows:

Prior to assembly of a fresh group of twenty cigarettes, the valvemembers 174 of all control elements 187 stay in their normal positions.Thus, and referring to the control element 187b, its valve member 174bseals the outlet 15715 but connects the outlet 15% with the auxiliaryline 156 so that the connection b admits air to the control nozzle 153bwhich causes the main jet of air to flow past the inlet of the tube 118band into the tube 118a. The foremost cigarette of a series travelsthrough the distributor pipe 150 and enters the inlet of the tube 118a.This cigarette travels through the transparent portion 183a of the tube118a and causes the light-sensitive device 180b, to produce a signalwhich is transmitted to the input G of the storing unit 1781:. Thestoring unit 17% sends an output signal via amplifier 17%, and suchsignal causes energization of the electromagnet 1751) which attracts thevalve member 1741) against the opposition of the return spring 1761) sothat the valve member 1741) seals the auxiliary line 156 from the outlet158!) but connects the line 156 with the outlet 157b, i.e., theconnection 159b can admit air to the control nozzle 1521) which deflectsthe main jet into the inlet of the tube 118b. The next cigarette entersthe inlet of the tube 11% and passes through the transparent portion183!) of this tube whereby the light-sensitive device 1800 sends asignal to the input G of the storing unit 1780 as well as to the erasinginput H of the storing unit 1781). The output signal of the storing unit1780 causes the valve member 1740 to admit air from the auxiliary line156 into the control nozzle 1520 so that the main jet of air isdeflected into the inlet of the tube 1180. The signal transmitted fromthe receiver 1820 to the input H of the storing unit 178b erases thesignal at the input G of the. unit 17% so that the electromagnetb isdeenergized and the valve member 17% returns to the position of FIG. 11,i.e., the control nozzle 153i) discharges air but such air cannot affectthe flow of the main jet because the latter is deflected at the switch151a and flows into the inlet of the tube 1180. It will be seen that,contrary to the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 8, theapparatus of FIG. 11 resets or restores the valve members 174immediately after the respective tube 118 receives a cigarette.

The light-sensitive device (not shown) in the last tube (correspondingto the tube 1181 of FIG. 8) sends a signal to the input H of the laststoring unit which serves to transmit signals to the last controlelement 187. In this way all of the control elements are reset prior toassembly of the next group.

-It is clear that the erasing inputs H of the control elements 187 canbe connected to a control conductor which sends an erasing signal inresponse to a signal received from the last light-sensitive device 180.Such a construction would be even more similar to the construction shownin FIGS. 8-10 which latter utilizes a line 170 serving to reset thevalve members 161 or 169 upon completed assembly of a group.

As shown in FIG. 12, the apparatus of our invention can receive an arrayof cigarettes issuing from two or more producing machines. FIG. 12 showstwenty rod cigarette machines 184a-184t each of which furnishescigarettes to one of twenty pneumatic tubes 118a'118t. Each of the rodcigarette machines 184a-184t supplies cigarettes 105 to one of twentyendless take-off belts 109a-109t and the inlet of each pneumatic tube(11841- 11 81) is provided with two main orifices 154a-154t. In thisillustration, the producing machines 184a-184t and their belts 109a-109tperform the functions of the machine A and distributor unit B shown inFIG. 1. The distributor tube 150- of FIGS. 8l1 is dispensed with;therefore, each pneumatic tube (118a'118t) is provided with a pair ofmain orifices (154a-154t) which admit jets of air serving to advancecigarettes 105 toward and beyond the outlets of the tubes 118a'118z'.The receiving unit of FIG. 12 accommodates a magazine 210 which receivesrows of cigarettes 105 directly from the outlets of tubes 118a'118t. Themagazine 210 forms part of a packing machine.

The apparatus of FIGS. 8 to 12 need not employ any distributor meansupstream of the pneumatic tubes 118 or 118' because the rows are formedby the outlets of such tubes. This reduces the time which is requiredfor the formation of rows and reduces the number of treatments to whichthe articles are subjected during travel from a producing machine to amagazine or tray. Moreover, the apparatus of FIGS. 8 to 12 are simpler,at least in certain respects, than the apparatus of FIGS. 27 because itis not necessary to brake the articles prior to entry into the tubes andit is also not necessary to change the direction of travel of articles,i.e., the articles can travel lengthwise all the way from the takeoffbelt of a maker to the outlets of tubes 118 or 118'. In FIGS. 2-5, thearticles changes the direction of their movement more than once becausethey move axially with the belt 109 and in the channel 119, sideways inthe flutes 104 of the collector 101, and again axially in the pockets114, Openings 117 and tubes 118. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the articles movesideways on the belt 136 and axially along the guide member 146 and inthe tubes 118.

FIG. 13 illustrates certain details of a receiving unit wherein rows oftwenty cigarettes 105 each are supplied directly into successive chargesor trays 190 of the type customarily employed for storage and transferof cigarettes between a rod cigarette machine and a packing machine. Thetray 190' of FIG. 13 rests on a vertically movable support or platform191 which is afiixed to two endless chains 192. The chains 192 aretrained around sprocket wheels 193. The two lower sprocket wheels 193are affixed to a common shaft 193a which is rotated stepwise by aconventional indexing assembly including an electric motor 194. Thus,the tray 190 can descend stepwise so as to provide room for successivelydelivered rows of cigarettes 105. The rows which are introduced into thetray 190 are stacked on top of each other to form a stack ofpredetermined height. A horizontal removing conveyor including anendless belt 195 is installed at level below the descending tray 190 andserves to remove sucessively filled trays 190 to a packing machine or toanother destination. The outlets 196 of pneumatic tubes 118 are disposedin a horizontal plane close to each other and discharge successivecigarettes 105 through the open front side of the tray 190. The outlets196 are held together by a strap 197 or another suitable clamping andaligning device. Whenever the motor 194 of the indexing assemblyreceives an impulse, it turns the shaft 193a through an angle ofpredetermined magnitude to lower the tray 190 by a distance whichapproximates the diameter of a cigarette 105, i.e., which approximatesthe thickness of a row or layer of cigarettes in the outlets 196 or inthe tray 190. The tray is lowered through the intermediary of theplatform 191.

The control circuit for the motor 194 of the indexing assembly receivesand transmits signals when the pneumatic tubes 118 receive freshcigarettes 105, i.e., before such cigarettes reach the outlets 196. Forexample, the control circuit for the motor 194 may include themicroswitch 144 of FIGS. 6 and 7 or a pressure-responsive switch (notshown) which produces a signal when the orifices 120 discharge jets ofcompressed air to transfer cigarettes 105 from the flutes 104 of thecollector 101 into the pockets 114 of the transfer drum 103 shown inFIGS. 2-5. The microswitch 144 and/or the just mentionedpressure-responsive switch can produce signals with req uisite delay. Itis equally clear that the motor 194 can be energized in response tosignals transmitted by the control element (155, 155' or 187) associatedWith the last switch in the apparatus shown in FIG. 8, 9b or 11. Thecontrol circuit for the motor 194 may include the microsignal producedby the signal generating means for the indexing assembly is transmittedto a conventional flip-flop 198 or another suitable bistablemultivibrator which changes its output signal in response to each inputsignal. The conductors at the output side of the multivibrator 198 areconnected with the winding of a staggering or shifting electromagnet 199and with the winding of a resetting electromagnet 200. The electromagnet199 operates against the bias of a helical return spring 201 and thestroke of its armature 202 approximates the radius of a cigarette 105.The armature 202 has a bore 203 which receives a detent pin 204 biasedby a spring 205. The pin 204 constitutes the armature of the resettingelectromagnet 200 and is retracted from the bore 203 against theopposition of the spring 205 when the spring 201 should move the outlets196 sideways in order to effect (in cooperation with the electromagnet199) staggering of successively deposited rows of cigarettes 105 withreference to each other. In other words, the electromagnet 199 and thespring 201 insure that the cigarettes of a second row are deposited intogaps or grooves be tween the cigarettes of the preceding row.

When an empty tray 190 is introduced into the receiving unit of FIG. 13,the platform 191 assumes its upper end position so that the first row ofcigarettes is deposited on the bottom wall of the empty tray. The motor194 then receives an impulse to lower the platform 191 by a step,together witn the tray which latter than already accommodates a firstrow of cigarettes 105. At the same time, the multivibrator 198 receivesan impulse and its output signal energizes (if necessary through asuitable amplifier circuit) one of the electromagnets 199 and 200,namely, that electromagnet which was not energized in response to theprevious output signal. For example, the multivibrator 198 will energizethe electromagnet 199 upon entry of the first row of cigarettes 105. Theelectromagnet 199 attracts its armature 202 against the opposition ofthe spring 201 and shifts the outlets 196 of all twenty tubes 118 in adirection to the right, as viewed in FIG. 13, by a distancecorresponding substantially to the radius of a cigarette 105. It is tobe noted that the strap 197 is connected with the armature 202. Thecigarettes of the second row are then deposited into the gaps betweenthe cigarettes of the first row and the motor 194 thereupon lowers theplatform 191, again by a distance approximating the diameter of acigarette 105, before the multivibrator 198 energizes the electromagnet200 which retracts the detent pin 204 against the opposition of thespring 205 so that the spring 201 is free to expand and to move thestrap 197 with outlets 196 in a direction to the left, as viewed in FIG.13, again by a distance approximating the radius of a cigarette 105.Thus, the cigarettes of the third row are in vertical alignment 'withthe cigarettes of the first row and enter the gaps between thecigarettes of the second row. When the electromagnet 199 is energizedagain, the pin 204 snaps into the bore 203 of the armature 202 under thebias of the spring 205 and remains in locking position until themultivibrator 198 sends a signal which energizes the electromagnet 200.

When a loaded tray 190 reaches the upper stringer of the belt 195, it isautomatically removed from the platform 191 and a fresh (empty) traymoves to receiving position. Such fresh tray is lowered by a secondplatform (not shown) which is attached to the chains 192. Details of atransporting arrangement for trays which can be used in the receivingunit of FIG. 13 are disclosed, for example, in German Pat. No.1,194,303.

FIG. 14 illustrates a receiving unit which includes the magazine 210 ofFIG. 12, i.e., a magazine which forms part of a cigarette packingmachine. The magazine 210 can store cigarettes for delivery to one, twoor more packing machines. This magazine comprises a series of partitions212 which define a series of vertical ducts 211, for example, six ductsthe lower ends of which are adjacent to a reciprocable transfer memberor pusher which can expel two cigarettes from each duct 211 to form anarray of twelve cigarettes in a formation ready to be introduced into anempty pack consisting of one or more envelopes. The side walls 213 atthe upper end of the magazine 210 are provided with windows 214 whichcan be constituted by open vertical slots or by slots containingtransparent or translucent panels of glass or plastic. The outlets 196'of the pneumatic tubes 118' are arranged in a horizontal row and extendinto the space between or terminate in front of the side walls 213. Astrap 197 or a like clamp for the outlets 196' has its ends connectedwith carriers 215, 216 which are outwardly adjacent to the side Walls213. The carrier 215 supports two vertically spaced light sources 217,218 and the carrier 216 supports two vertically spaced photosensitivereceivers 219, 220, e.g., a pair of photodiodes. The conductors whichare conected with the sources 217, 218 and receivers 219, 220 areflexible and long enough to establish satisfactory connections betweenthese components and the signal receiving and transmitting elements ofthe control circuit in the receiving unit of FIG. 14. The strap 197' isconnected with a vertically movable toothed rack 221 which meshes with apinion 222 on the output shaft of a reversible electric motor 223. Thetransmission including the pinion 222 and rack 221 is of theself-locking type and the rack 221 is guided in bearings 224. Thepneumatic tubes 118' consist at least in part of flexible or elasticmaterial and their inlets are fixed to a stationary support or guide(not shown in FIG. 14) so that they may receive cigarettes 105 from thetakeoff belts 109 of individual rod cigarette machines 184 (see FIG. 12)or from one of the structures shown in FIGS. 2 to 11. The curvature offlexible portions of tubes 118' is selected in such a way that theycannot damage or deform the cigarettes 105 during travel toward theoutlets 196 and while the outlets 196 move up and down between the upperlevel 226 and lower level v 16 225. The tubes 118' preferably consist ofsuitable synthetic plastic material.

FIG. 15 illustrates a control circuit for the motor 223 of FIG. 14. Theoutput lines of the receivers 219, 220 contain suitable impulsegenerating stages 227, 228 (for example, Schmitt triggers) which canproduce and amplify signals and transmit such signals to the energizingcircuits of switching elements 229, 230. The switching element 229 isenergizable to connect the motor 223 with a source 231 of electricalenergy in a sense to raise the strap 197 through the intermediary of thepinion 222 and rack 221. The motor 223 is of the reversible polaritytype. When energized, the switching element 230 connects the motor 223with the source 231 in such a way that the motor lowers the strap 197'.The stage 227 is of such design that it transmits a signal which resultsin energization of the switching element 229 only at a time when itreceives no input signal from the receiver 219. When the signal from thereceiver 219 disappears, the stage 227 produces an output signal toenergize the switching element 229 and to cause the strap 197' to moveupwardly to raise the outlets 196' from the lower level 225 toward theupper level 226. The connection between the receiver 219 and stage 227includes a conventional delay circuit 232. The circuit of the stage 228is such that it produces an output signal for energization of theswitching element 230 only at a time when it receives a signal from thephotosensitive receiver 220.

The operation of the control circuit of FIG. 15 is as follows:

The magazine 210 receives successively formed rows of twenty cigaretteseach. Such rows may be formed by the assemblies which were described inconnection with any of FIGS. 1 to 12, for example, in a manner as shownin FIG. 12 wherein each of twenty individual makers 184a-184t suppliescigarettes to one of twenty pneumatic tubes 118a-118t. At the same time,the aforementioned pusher or transfer members expels arrays of twelvecigarettes 105 each from the lower ends of ducts 211 whereby such arraysadvance into the packing machine proper and are provided with envelopesto form customary cigarette packs. When the operation of the feed whichdelivers cigarettes into the inlets of tubes 118' and the operation ofthe packing machine or machines which receive cigarettes from the ducts211 are normal, the rate at which the outlets 196 deliver rows ofcigarettes equals or closely approximates the rate at which the pusherexpels cigarettes from the ducts 211. Thus, the level of cigaretteswhich are stacked in the magazine 210 remains substantially unchangedand is located somewhere between the levels 225, 226 shown in FIG. 14.If the packing machine slows down or is shut off, the supply ofcigarettes in the magazine 210 rises and approaches and ultimatelyreaches the level 226. On the other hand, faulty operation or stoppageof mechanism which feeds cigarettes to the tubes 118 (while the packingmachine continues to operate at normal speed) causes the level of thesupply of cigarettes in the magazine to descend toward and to ultimatelyreach the level 225. The outlets 196' must follow the level of thesupply of cigarettes in the magazine 210 in order to prevent pileup orto prevent cigarettes from dropping through an excessive distance (whenthe upper level of the cigarette stack in the magazine is low) so thatthe cigarettes would undergo deformation and would be deposited in themagazine in random distribution. Such movements of outlets 196' areregulated by the light-sensitive devices including the light sources217, 218 and receivers 219', 220. If the topmost layer of cigarettes inthe magazine 210 is located between the levels 225, 226, the motor 223is idle because neither of the receivers 219, 220 produces a signal. Ifthe uppermost layer of cigarettes in the magazine 210 descends to thelevel 225, the lower receiver 220 receives light from the lower source218. The signal produced by receiver 220 energizes the switching element230 which connects the motor 223 with the energy source 231 in a senseto move the rack 221 and strap 197' downwardly until the uppermost layerof cigarettes in the magazine 210 again interrupts the beam of lightbetween the lower light source 218 and the lower receiver 220. Thelatter ceases to transmit a signal and the switching element 230 isdeenergized in automatic response to termination of such signal.

If the top layer of cigarettes 105 in the magazine 210 moves to thelevel 226 of FIG. 14, this layer interrupts the light beam between theupper light source 217 and the upper receiver 219 whereby the stage 227produces an output signal which energizes the switching element 229. Thelatter connects the motor 223 with the energy source 231 in such a waythat the motor moves the rack 221 and strap 197' upwardly until theuppermost layer of cigarettes again enters the space between the lightsource 217 and receiver 219. The just described control circuitcompensates for substantial fluctuations in the level of stackedcigarettes 105 in the magazine 210 by causing the outlets 196 of thetubes 118' to move upwardly or downwardly.

It is clear that the photosensitive signal generating devices 217220 canbe replaced by other contactless signal generators, for example, bysignal generators which operate with ultrasonics or with isotope rays.Furthermore, the position of the top layer of cigarettes in the magazine210 can be sensed by a mechanical detecting device of any known design.Also, the structure of FIG. 14 can be provided with detectors which mayconstitute limit switches and respectively arrest the packing machinewhen the top layer of stacked cigarettes reaches the lower level 225 orthe makers 184 of FIG. 12 when the top layer reaches the upper level226. Such detectors can arrest the maker or makers and the packingmachine or machines so that the operators will know that the productionline is defective or requires adjustment.

FIG. 16 illustrates, by way of example, one of the pneumatic tubes 118in the-structure shown in FIG. 12 or 14. This tube 118 extends from avfixed guide or support 233 to the strap 197' on the upper end of therack 221. The median portion 234 of the tube 118' is flexible and formsa loop whose radius of curvature is such that cigarettes 105 travellingthrough the median portion of the tube cannot become stuck and are notdamaged when the rack 221 moves the strap 197 and the outlet 196'between the levels 225, 226.

If the tubes are sufficiently flexible, one or more makers may becoupled directly with one or more packing or like consuming machines.Furthermore, the outlets of tubes 118 or 118 can be readily detachedfrom one receiving unit and attached to another receiving unit or viceversa. Also, the inlets of tubes 118 or 118 can be detached from onedistributor unit and attached to another distributor unit or vice versa.Moreover, the outlets of tubes can be connected to a single packing orother consuming machine or to two or more packing machines. As a rule,the consuming machine will be a packing machine.

In each of the aforementioned embodiments of our apparatus, the articlesare preferably braked prior to reaching the outlets of pneumatic tubes..Such braking can be effected by suction, by means of compressed air, byelectrostatic forces or by mechanical means. The braking prevents escapeof tobacco particles at the ends of wrappers, deformation of or damageto wrappers of cigarettes, and facilitates accurate stacking of articlesin magazines, trays or other types of receptacles. A braking systemwhich combines suction with the action of compressed air (for example,as described in connection with delivery of cigarettes from the channel119 into the flutes 104 of the collector 101 shown in FIGS. 25) wasfound to be particularly suited in connection with transport ofcigarettes or like articles. Electrostatic braking forces can beemployed when the articles can be electrostatically charged. Forexample, such forces can be produced in pneumatic tubes consisting ofsynthetic plastic material in that the tubes are charged during passageof articles toward their outlets. The braking action can be enhanced bygeneration of electrostatic charges in addition to those which developduring passage of articles.

The method and apparatus of our invention bring about a number ofimportant advantages. The delivery of rod shaped articles from atproducing machine or maker directly into a tray or magazine withattendant formation of rows or other orderly groups reduces the outlayfor equipment and saves space. Moreover, the formation of stacksconsumes less time because the customary step of assembly randomlysupplied articles into rows prior to delivery into a magazine or traycan be dispensed with in most instances. The paths for transportation oftrays are shorter and the equipment necessary for transportation oftrays is simpler because the tubes 118 or 118' can be of any desiredpractical length so that they can convey articles from one or moreproducing machines to a remote magazine or to a remote system ofcirculating trays. Furthermore, the articles are treated gently so thatthe percentage of rejects is low and the articles undergo lessdeformation.

Another important advantage of the improved apparatus is that it canemploy a relatively simple and hence less expensive control orprogramming system. This is particularly the case when the pneumatictubes receive rows or groups of articles from a rotary drum shapedmember, such as the collector 101 of FIGS. 2-5. The controls for thecollector 101 can operate slowly even if the articles are transported ata high speed. The assembly of members 101, 103 can be installed in anattachment which applies filters to cigarettes issuing from one or morerod cigarette machines. In such attachments, the articles are conveyedby fluted drums so that the delivery of articles into the flutes 104 ofthe collector 101 presents no problems.

Without further analysis, the foregoing willso fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featureswhich fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic andspecific aspects of our contribution to the art.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

'1. Apparatus for assembling cigarettes or other rod shaped articlesinto arrays which are thereupon dispersed during further processing,comprising a plurality of elongated pneumatic tubes each having anarticle receiving inlet and an article discharging outlet, said outletsbeing so positioned with reference to each other that articles issuingtherefrom form a group consisting of at least one row of closelyadjacent articles; a feed for supplying articles to said inlets; and areceptacle for receiving successive groups from said outlets so that thegroups received in said receptacle form an array of superimposed rows,said outlets and said receptacle being so arranged that the outletsdeposit said row of articles directly into the receptacle at the levelwhich the row is to occupy.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed includes at leastone article producing machine and at least one distributor unit whichtransfers articles from said machine to the inlets of said tubes.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2," wherein said distributor unitcomprises a rotary drum arranged to receive articles from said producingmachine and means for transferring articles from said drum into saidinlets.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said drum is provided withperipheral article-receiving flutes.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising means for brakingthe articles during transfer from said producing machine onto said drum.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said braking means comprisescombined suction and air pressure generator means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the means for transferringarticles from said rotary drum to said inlets comprises a stationarytransfer drum having flutes registering with said inlets.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed comprisescollector means having a row of coplanar article receiving flutes eachof which registers with one of said inlets.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said feed further comprises'a supply conveyor for delivering articles sideways to the flutes'ofsaid collector means.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said collector meanscomprises a suction head.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10', wherein said feed furthercomprises transfer means for moving articles lengthwise from said flutesinto the respective inlets.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means foradmitting jets of air to said inlets to transport the articles throughsaid tubes, and valve means for con trolling the admission of air tosaid inlets.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim'l, wherein said feed comprises atleast one article producing machine, a distributor pipe communicatingwith said inlets and arranged to receive successive articles from saidproducing machine, and switching devices for distributing articles fromsaid pipe to said inlets.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein the operation of saidswitching devices is based on the Coanda effect.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said feed comprises aplurality of article producing machines each arranged to supply articlesdirectly to one of said inlets.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is amagazine.

17. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is a tray.

18. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further com- 20 prising controlmeans for effecting relative movement between said outlets and saidreceptacle.

19. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of eachtube consists of flexible material.

20. Apparatus for assembling cigarettes or other rod shaped articlesinto arrays which are thereupon dispersed during further processing,comprising a plurality of elongated pneumatic tubes each having anarticle receiving inlet and an article discharging outlet, said outletsbeing so positioned with reference to each other that articles issuingtherefrom form a group wherein the articles are in apredetermined'spatial relationship relative to each other; a feed forsupplying articles to said inlets; a receptacle forreceiving'successivegroups from said outlets so that the' groups received in said receptacleform an array; and control means for etfecting relative movement betweensaid outlets and said receptacle, comprising means for moving theoutlets up and down with reference to the receptacle.

21. Apparatus as defined in claim 20, further comprising means forwithdrawing articles from said receptacle, said control means comprisingmeans for changing the position of said outlets in dependency on' thelevel of articles in said receptacle.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,397,922 8/1968 Dearsley 302-23,444,981 5/1969 Schubert 53-236X 3,222,110 3/ 1964 Kelly et a1. 302-23,398,750 8/1968 Chambers et a1 131-25 THERON E. CONDON, PrimaryExaminer R. L. SPRUILL, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 53-236; 131-25;302-2

